That 6-12 record against Detroit isn't helping matters. That's 12-24 against two teams in your own division.

JDM:

Actually what happens now (i.e next two weeks) WILL impact next season. Another blown postseason spot will make it even more tougher to get the fan base, already angry, to buy tickets. That impacts the payroll Hahn (if he's named G.M.) will have to work with.

Plus if the Sox do make the postseason additional home games (which I assume will be sold out) will generate additional revenue that might be applied to next year's payroll. Making the playoffs this year if I remember right, guarantees the Sox at least two home games.

Then you have the additional benefit of some fans stepping up and getting season tickets for next year based on the results this year.

I get what you are trying to say but to just say there's no impact at all on next year is wrong.

That 6-12 record against Detroit isn't helping matters. That's 12-24 against two teams in your own division.

JDM:

Actually what happens now (i.e next two weeks) WILL impact next season. Another blown postseason spot will make it even more tougher to get the fan base, already angry, to buy tickets. That impacts the payroll Hahn (if he's named G.M.) will have to work with.

Plus if the Sox do make the postseason additional home games (which I assume will be sold out) will generate additional revenue that might be applied to next year's payroll. Making the playoffs this year if I remember right, guarantees the Sox at least two home games.

Then you have the additional benefit of some fans stepping up and getting season tickets for next year based on the results this year.

I get what you are trying to say but to just say there's no impact at all on next year is wrong.

Lip

This team is built to win this season. It's not built for long term success, whether we like it or not. Will a playoff apperance increase season ticket/advanced sales? Sure, we may get a small boast. But, a boast in revenue isn't magically going to fill all the long term questions/holes. With a differnet GM, maybe he will change some things. Even if it was, there is still not such thing as next year. As we have seen, things change year in and year out.

You add another layer to that, and six of the 12 losses in the "Other" category are to just two clubs -- Boston and Baltimore.

It's really quite remarkable the Sox have a two-game lead in their division when they've spent a healthy chunk of the second half getting owned by two divisional opponents.

Really weird team, really weird season. Take a look at the splits here. You'll note the Sox have a .500 record (3-3) against the Oakland A's. Their winning percentage against every other team is either .600 and above, or .333 and below.

I'm not worried. The Sox have played good baseball against just about every team not named Royals or Tigers. They're in the driver's seat right now, and I don't have confidence that Detroit is suddenly going to catch fire these last 2 weeks. They are a team with a horrible defense that has cost them and will continue to cost them games. Going to be a fun final 2 weeks.